Qatar’s tourism sector has begun 2025 with impressive momentum, welcoming more than 1.5 million international visitors in the first quarter, according to official figures released this month. This figure, while slightly below the 1.6 million arrivals recorded in the same period last year, highlights the country’s sustained appeal and its successful efforts to position itself as a global travel destination.

The robust numbers come as part of a broader, long-term tourism strategy that leverages major events, strategic partnerships, and a diverse mix of destination experiences to attract travelers from around the world.

A closer look at the visitor demographics reveals Qatar’s broad international reach. In Q1 2025, 36 percent of arrivals were from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, 28 percent from Europe, and 20 percent from Asia and Oceania. This balanced mix underscores the success of targeted marketing and ongoing efforts to diversify source markets beyond the region.

The country’s multi-access approach is also evident, with 51 percent of visitors arriving by air, 34 percent by land, and 15 percent by sea, reflecting the effectiveness of investments in aviation, road, and cruise infrastructure.

The Eid Al-Fitr holiday period was a particular highlight, with Qatar welcoming 214,000 visitors over eight days-a 26 percent increase compared to 2024 and the highest holiday figure in three years. Nearly half of these holidaymakers were from GCC nations, marking an 18 percent year-on-year rise from this key market.

Hotel occupancy during Eid soared to 77 percent, up from 67 percent last year, while the overall Q1 average was 71 percent with 2.6 million room nights sold. This surge in demand was driven in part by a packed events calendar, including the globally renowned Web Summit Qatar, the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition, and the Qatar International Food Festival, all of which attracted hundreds of thousands of attendees and boosted hospitality revenues.

On the cruise front, Qatar’s 2024/2025 season saw 87 ship calls, up 19 percent from the previous year, and over 360,000 cruise visitors, marking a 4 percent annual increase. These figures underscore the country’s growing reputation as a regional cruise hub and its ongoing investment in port infrastructure and services.

The government is also making significant strides in diversifying its tourism offerings, with projects like the Simaisma development-a massive QR20 billion project featuring a theme park, luxury resorts, an 18-hole international golf course, a yacht marina, and high-end retail and dining-aimed at establishing Qatar as a premier global destination.

Looking ahead, industry analysts forecast a 3.5 percent year-on-year increase in arrivals for 2025, projecting a record 5.3 million visitors-up from 5.1 million in 2024. This growth is expected to be sustained through 2029, with arrivals projected to reach 5.7 million by the end of the decade, supported by strong demand from key markets such as Saudi Arabia, India, Germany, the UK, and the US.

Government and private sector initiatives continue to play a pivotal role, with new attractions, digital innovations, and expanded international cooperation, such as the recent tourism roadshow with Moscow and the launch of 14 weekly direct flights between Doha and Moscow.

Qatar’s long-term vision is clear: to position itself as a leading year-round destination and a central player in the global tourism landscape. The country’s third National Development Strategy (2024–2030) identifies tourism as a key pillar for economic diversification, with the ambitious goal of attracting six million visitors annually by 2030.

“The achievements of the first quarter of 2025 demonstrate some of the planned outputs of our long-term approach to tourism development,” said Saad Bin Ali Al-Kharji, chairman of Qatar Tourism. “We are excited to have welcomed 1.5 million in Q1 and look forward to welcoming more guests throughout this year,” he added.

With a dynamic events calendar, ongoing infrastructure development, and a relentless focus on visitor experience, Qatar is well on its way to achieving its tourism milestones. The country’s strategic investments, world-class events, and ambitious development projects are reinforcing its status as a leading global destination and a key player in the international tourism landscape.

In summary, Qatar’s tourism sector is not only recovering from the pandemic but is now entering a new phase of sustainable, diversified growth. The country’s strategic investments, world-class events, and ambitious development projects are reinforcing its status as a leading global destination and a key player in the international tourism landscape.

As families prepare for the busy school holiday travel season, Emirates is introducing an exciting new collection of toys and amenities designed especially for young travelers. With around one million children expected to fly with the airline this summer, Emirates is set to delight its youngest passengers with free bags, plush toys, and collectible items tailored to different age groups.

The new kids’ kits feature a variety of themes, including football, tennis, basketball, sailing, golf, horse riding, cycling, cricket, rugby, music, and literature. These thoughtfully designed kits include essential items and boredom-busting toys, made from sustainable materials and safety-certified to ensure a worry-free experience for parents.

For babies and infants up to two years old, the kits include a reusable changing mat, Naif nurturing cream, cleansing wipes, a wipe-clean bib, a spoon that doubles as a teether, a soothing vibrating plush toy that can be attached to a seat or stroller, and a collectible cozy blanket to keep little ones comfortable and entertained.

Children aged three to six receive a special themed backpack to keep their favorite belongings safe during travel. Options include a literature-inspired Tiny Treasures backpack, an adventure backpack, a football backpack, or a tennis crossbody backpack. These kits also come with the in-flight Fly with Me magazine, which now features collectible character cards, coloring pages, puzzles, and other engaging travel activities.

For kids aged seven to twelve, Emirates offers stylish bags from its latest lifestyle collection, including a collectible Big City crossbody bag, an explorer backpack, and a Training Day duffle bag. These kits are complemented by activity packs and headphones designed to keep older children entertained throughout the flight.

In addition to the onboard offerings, Emirates has made its Little Travellers’ collection available for purchase online. The range includes colorful caps, t-shirts, beach day lunch bags, water bottles, pencil cases, keyrings, and activity books. For young aviation enthusiasts, the airline offers cabin crew and pilot uniforms for children aged one to ten, as well as onesies for babies up to 18 months.

Emirates’ commitment to family-friendly travel is further reflected in its priority boarding, dedicated check-in areas, and specially designed play zones in airport lounges, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey for both children and their parents. With over 250 kids’ movies and TV shows, music, and up to 100 games available through the inflight entertainment system, young travelers are sure to have a memorable and fun-filled experience this summer.

Qatar Airways is elevating its culinary offerings through an exciting partnership with renowned French chef Yannick Alléno, whose 19 restaurants across seven countries have collectively earned 17 Michelin stars. This collaboration brings Alléno’s modern French cuisine to both inflight menus and premium lounge dining experiences.

First and Business Class passengers traveling on select flights between Paris and Doha will be the first to savor Alléno’s specially crafted inflight menus. These feature “ingredient-led cooking” and innovative techniques such as fermentation, reflecting the chef’s dedication to culinary artistry and innovation.

On the ground, Alléno’s acclaimed Pavyllon restaurant, known for its locations in Paris, Monte Carlo, and London, will make its airside debut inside Qatar Airways’ First Class Lounge at Doha Hamad International Airport. The lounge restaurant will mirror the Pavyllon concept with counter seating facing an open kitchen, offering guests an immersive dining experience akin to a live culinary performance.

Qatar Airways’ lounges at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport will also showcase a selection of exclusive creations by Alléno, though specific details have yet to be announced.

Thabet Musleh, Qatar Airways’ Chief Retail and Hospitality Officer, emphasized the airline’s commitment to innovation and excellence, stating, “Chef Yannick Alléno one of the most celebrated names in global gastronomy represents a benchmark for excellence that reflects our shared passion for innovation, sophistication, and the art of hospitality.”

This partnership aligns with a growing trend among airlines to collaborate with award-winning chefs to enhance the onboard and lounge dining experience. For example, Air France recently teamed up with Daniel Boulud to create dishes for its La Première and Business Class passengers on flights departing the US, with the rollout starting in July.

Qatar Airways continues to set new standards in luxury travel by combining world-class gastronomy with exceptional service, ensuring that passengers enjoy unforgettable dining experiences both in the air and on the ground.

Emirates has officially launched its first Emirates World retail store in Singapore, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s 35-year presence in the city-state and signaling a bold new direction in travel retail.

Located at Odeon 333, just across from the iconic Raffles Hotel, the 330-square-meter store is designed as a warm, open-plan, lounge-like environment, featuring Emirates’ signature light and contemporary color palette with motifs inspired by the UAE’s national Ghaf Tree.

The store brings together expert travel planning and a premium shopping experience. Four dedicated customer service counters are staffed by knowledgeable consultants who provide tailored travel advice, exclusive fare deals, and detailed product demonstrations. Visitors can book flights, plan holidays, and receive personalized recommendations-all in a welcoming, relaxed setting.

A key highlight is the interactive First Class Suite installation, available exclusively in Singapore, allowing guests to step inside and experience the luxury of Emirates’ award-winning in-flight environment, complete with plush leather seats, ambient lighting, and privacy doors. The store also features smart technology, such as a ‘selfie mirror’ that lets travelers snap pictures against scenic destination backdrops.

Emirates is also introducing a curated selection of eco-conscious products, including upcycled travel pouches and document holders, reflecting the airline’s commitment to sustainability. Guests are welcomed with freshly brewed coffee, reinforcing Emirates’ hallmark hospitality on the ground.

The grand opening was attended by Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Adnan Kazim, alongside representatives from the UAE Embassy and Changi Airport Group, underscoring the strategic importance of Singapore as a hub for Emirates in Southeast Asia. In 2024 alone, Emirates carried over 800,000 passengers between Singapore and Dubai, operating four daily flights to Dubai and beyond, plus a daily service to Phnom Penh.

This store is the first of more than 40 planned worldwide as part of a S$35 million investment, positioning Emirates as a leader in premium, high-touch retail experiences that blend technology, personalization, and luxury. The new Emirates World store is set to redefine how travelers engage with the airline, offering a seamless, informative, and immersive space that brings the ‘Fly Better’ promise to life both in the air and on the ground.

Strategic Implications and Explanation

The Emirates World store is more than just a physical sales channel; it is a strategic move to deepen engagement with high-value travelers in a digital age. By combining personal service, interactive technology, and exclusive experiences, Emirates aims to differentiate itself in a competitive market and collect valuable customer insights for tailoring future offerings.

The investment in physical retail, alongside digital integration, allows Emirates to create a consistent and elevated brand experience across all touchpoints, ensuring that travelers receive the same level of care and luxury whether they are booking online or in person.

This initiative also positions Emirates to capitalize on the growing demand for experiential retail, where customers value face-to-face interactions and immersive experiences, especially when planning significant journeys. The store’s success could influence the broader travel industry, encouraging a renewed focus on high-touch, personalized customer service in the premium segment.

Qatar Airways is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading luxury airlines, known not only for its exceptional service and modern fleet but also for the exceptionally high standards it demands from its cabin crew. Behind the airline’s polished image lies a comprehensive set of strict rules and regulations that govern every aspect of cabin crew members’ professional appearance, behavior, and lifestyle.

These rigorous policies, some of the most stringent in the aviation industry, are designed to maintain the airline’s prestigious reputation and ensure a consistently flawless experience for passengers around the globe.

Strict Grooming and Appearance Guidelines

Qatar Airways enforces highly detailed grooming standards to uphold its reputation as a premium airline. Female cabin crew are required to wear full-coverage foundation and concealer, matte blush without shimmer, and lipstick or nail polish in specific shades such as deep pink, red, or burgundy to align with the company’s brand image.

Skincare is emphasized, with crew trained to use long-lasting, durable makeup products to maintain a flawless look during long-haul flights. Male crew members must be clean-shaven, with neatly trimmed mustaches above the lip line; beards and visible gray hair are prohibited, and bald spots must be concealed.

Hair Styling Requirements

Female crew members must style their hair in low buns secured with hairnets and scrunchies, and only natural hair colors are permitted. Male crew are expected to maintain a neat hairstyle using grooming products like wax or clay, avoiding any greasy or overly styled looks.

Uniform Regulations

The airline maintains strict uniform policies:

• Crew must carry spare uniforms on every flight to address any unexpected incidents.

• Jewelry is limited to simple stud earrings and wedding rings with embedded stones for safety reasons; men are generally limited to wearing watches.

• Female crew must wear matte, skin-tone-matched stockings.

• Only mild fragrances are allowed to prevent discomfort to passengers.

Lifestyle and Conduct Rules

• Crew members live in company-provided accommodation monitored by electronic keycards and subject to unannounced checks.

• The pre-flight curfew has recently been shortened from 12 to 9 hours, with a 90-minute allowance for leaving the accommodation during this time.

• Sharing photos in uniform or depicting alcohol or cigarettes on social media is strictly forbidden.

• Visitors of the opposite sex were traditionally restricted to visiting hours between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., with mandatory registration.

• Alcohol, tobacco, and pork products are banned in crew living quarters.

Recent Policy Adjustments

Qatar Airways has relaxed certain rules in recent times:

• Overnight curfews on days off have been lifted, allowing greater personal freedom.

• Pregnant cabin crew can now transition to ground-based roles instead of being forced to resign.

• The requirement to obtain CEO approval for marriage after five years of service has been simplified.

Recruitment and Benefits

The airline is highly selective, accepting only about 6–8% of applicants. Candidates must meet physical requirements such as a minimum arm reach of 212 cm, be fluent in English, and relocate to Doha. Benefits include company-provided housing, international medical insurance, and discounted travel opportunities worldwide.

Operational Procedures

During flights, crew adjust their uniforms according to service phases: wearing blazers during boarding and switching to blue “dining jackets” during meal service. Female crew carry secure handbags containing makeup kits and manuals, all protected by passcodes.

Cultural Distinctions

Unlike many Western airlines that have relaxed uniform and grooming policies, Qatar Airways maintains traditional, highly polished standards to reinforce its five-star luxury image. Every detail, from nail polish color to sock styles, is carefully regulated to ensure a consistent and upscale passenger experience.

Compensation and Discipline

Starting salaries for new cabin crew are approximately QR 3,300 (around $900), rising to QR 3,750 after six months, with additional hourly allowances for flight time. The airline enforces strict discipline: arriving even five minutes late to accommodation curfews can lead to warnings, and repeated infractions may result in termination.

Training and Compliance Checks

New recruits receive intensive training led by grooming officers, covering makeup application, hairstyling, and uniform standards. Pre-flight inspections ensure all crew meet the airline’s exacting appearance and conduct requirements.

By balancing these rigorous standards with recent reforms, Qatar Airways continues to ensure its cabin crew embody the elegance, professionalism, and precision that define its global reputation as a leader in luxury air travel.

Dubai Airports has set a new global standard for accessible travel by rolling out a comprehensive suite of autism-friendly services and training initiatives across Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC). As the world’s first international airport to receive the Certified Autism Centre™ (CAC) designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), DXB has embedded autism-inclusive practices at every level of the passenger journey.

A cornerstone of these efforts is the launch of the Assisted Travel Lounge at Terminal 2, a pioneering facility designed to offer a calm, sensory-friendly environment for People of Determination (POD), including travelers with autism and hidden disabilities. This lounge, developed in partnership with dnata, is part of a multi-million-dirham program that will expand to other terminals, providing specialized assistance, quiet zones, and dedicated support for families.

Dubai Airports has also prioritized human connection by equipping 45,000 employees—including frontline staff, airport partners, customs officials, and airline personnel—with IBCCES-accredited autism awareness and sensory sensitivity training.

This training, which has increased by 36% year-on-year, ensures that staff can recognize and appropriately respond to the needs of neurodiverse travelers, reducing anxiety and fostering a supportive environment throughout the airport. Guest Experience Ambassadors, easily identified by Sunflower pins, are stationed at key touchpoints to offer informed assistance to those with hidden disabilities.

To further streamline the travel experience, Dubai Airports offers a range of practical services: complimentary two-hour parking, dedicated taxis, wheelchair support, and priority lanes for Sunflower Lanyard holders. The DXB Travel Planner, an online visual guide, helps families prepare for their journey, while the airport’s Autism Friendly Route ensures a smoother passage through check-in, passport control, and security.

These initiatives are part of Dubai’s broader ambition to become a Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD), supported by the Department of Economy and Tourism. The airport’s efforts have led to increased guest satisfaction, positive feedback from the autism community, and international recognition, including the Airports Council International (ACI) Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation.

Through its “We All Meet the World Differently” campaign and ongoing collaboration with local and international advocacy groups, Dubai Airports continues to champion neurodiversity, ensuring that every traveler—regardless of ability—feels welcomed, respected, and supported from arrival to departure.